A Queen Charlotte Track Experience...
with Cougar Line

Walk or Bike?

How many days you wish to spend on the track? Many visitors choose to hike the track over 4 days / 3 nights, or choose a guided or unguided walk or bike where everything is arranged.

Walk Options

Bike Options

Choose your Accommodation

Reservations are ESSENTIAL – choose from campsites, backpackers, resorts & lodges or comfortable homestays along the track.

Accommodation Options

Book your Transport

Use our EASY booking/enquiry form to book your Cougar Line transport for the duration of your stay on the track. We carry your pack each day free of charge to your accommodation along the track.

Centrally located in New Zealand, the Marlborough Sounds are the gateway to the South Island. Marlborough is just minutes by air from the bustling capital of New Zealand, a leisurely cruise from the North Island via the Cook Strait or a pleasant drive by road from any South Island location.

The Queen Charlotte Track experience begins with a scenic boat trip from Picton. It takes approx 1 hour for the trip to historic Ship Cove which marks the beginning of The Queen Charlotte Track.

The 71km coastal walking track stretches from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds which enjoys a temperate climate and allows good year-round walking conditions. The walk or bike ends at Anakiwa. Because walkers and mountain bikers all move in the same direction at their own pace the track feels uncrowded and tranquil.

View our Cruise Options

$15.00 – $25.00

5 Hour Cruise & Walk

Step ashore at Ship Cove, in the footsteps of explorer Captain Cook, for our most

All Year

15km

$42.50 – $85.00

3 Hour Cruise & Walk

Discover a primordial world redolent of Lord of the Rings, in the towering rain forest

All Year

10.5km

$42.50 – $85.00

4 Hour Cruise & Walk

Historic Furneaux Lodge is the starting point for your walk around the head of Endeavour

All Year

12.7km

$42.50 – $85.00

2 Hour Cruise & Walk

A short climb reveals stunning long distance views of Cook Strait. Subtropical virgin forest towers

All Year

14.5km

$42.50 – $85.00

1 Hour Cruise & Walk

Discover a primordial world redolent of Lord of the Rings, in the towering rain forest

All Year

1km

$42.50 – $85.00

Discover Ship Cove

Disembark at Ship Cove and explore the Captain Cook’s favourite anchorage. The bush clad hills

All Year

Any

$42.50 – $85.00

Half Day Cruise & Walk

After a short climb out of Mistletoe the track passes through the original farm land

All Year

Any

$48.50 – $99.00

Eco Cruise

Motuara Island is a bird sanctuary, a safe haven for many rare species, including the

All Year

Any

Passing through undisturbed stands of beech and rimu, around coves and inlets and along skyline ridges, the track provides stunning views down into Queen Charlotte & Kenepuru Sounds.

Step aboard, hand us your pack, and we’ll show you the most memorable way to experience the Queen Charlotte Walking Track in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds relax in our luxury catamaran as we slip away from Picton into this tranquil natural world. Choose a cove to begin your discovery of this classic New Zealand walk.

Let the Cougar Line carry your pack for you. With over 21 years of taking walkers to and from the track we have streamlined a system whereby all you need is a small day pack and when you arrive at your next destination your luggage is waiting for you. Carry only your camera and needs for the day – Cougar Line sends on your luggage, whether to lodge, resort, friendly homestay, backpackers or campsite.

It’s no wonder Queen Charlotte Track attracts travellers from all over the world. Cougar Line is the best way to discover it in freedom.